Official Freewing 90mm F-4 Phantom II Thread

[russ t]

Was given a beat up Phantom, and am restoring it to fly. Bought new nose gear doors, to replace missing ones. But didn't receive a way to attach front door to nose gear strut. Perhaps spring, pushrod, elastic, or link? Please could someone post a good picture of the forward door actuator mechanism?
Thanks so much, R.

[jetpltrich]

Here is a test launch which was successful. I can't speak for the cameraman who had several cameras to take video with and failed to operate the cameras properly only getting one video.



Test launch - YouTube

I painted the rocket Kabuta Orange in order to see it. I had my doubts about recovery but the chute opened and I was able to locate it in the field next door.

[jetpltrich]

JPR, is like a small mag to generate the spark? Quite clever it seems. Good luck, Sir. Best, LB

LB, it is a push button switch - OFF/ON. The servo when activated will push the button to on. That will complete the circuit and off it goes.

I made a stand to rest the F-4 on and will test launch the rocket today. If all goes well I will start test flights with the plane, the first being a flight with just the launch pylon followed by test with the rocket on but no firing. I need to know that should I have a miss fire she will land okay. I should have video of the test firing of the rocket this evening.

Rich

[Elbee]

JPR, is like a small mag to generate the spark? Quite clever it seems. Good luck, Sir. Best, LB

[jetpltrich]

With the proof of concept complete with the successful A-10 launch of an Estes rocket I wanted to do another launch with the A-4. The more I studied the A-4 space was becoming the issue, there is not enough space in the A-4 for the triggering mechanism etc.. I then switched to the F-4 and studied the feasibility and concluded this could work and not be out of bounds for the authenticity of the real one. I remember loading target drones on the F-4 back in the early 80's, AQM something or other and I think they were made by Beechcraft, can't remember.

Trying to decide whether to launch slightly nose up or to ground attack in a shallow dive. I hope to have better videos of this shot than of the A-10 shot.

[nuts-n-volts]

I agree with Kallend and recommend to upgrade the elevator servo. I would not even trust the stock one. I've had too many... and 2 is too many... go out on me. A servo on an aileron or rudder is one thing, you can still probably steer her home. Even one side of a flap is doable. But on the elevator, no. It's the only thing holding you up.

[Coconut]

Thanks for the info, GG.

[GliderGuy]

Thanks for the response, GliderGuy and pullupnow. You guys response has been the best response I've gotten on this topic, especially your links GliderGuy.
What do you use to cut the rods to the length you need?

I used a Dremel tool with a cutting disc attachment. Cuts it like a hot knife cuts butter. Eye protection recommended.

By the way…the stock elevator servo is fine, but I did have one fail after TONS of flights. So I moved up to a more $$$ servo. (Repaired and still flying, but I did not want to risk a repeat crash!)

-GG

[Elbee]

Acknowledged and Agreed, Sir.

[Coconut]

Thanks for the response, GliderGuy and pullupnow. You guys response has been the best response I've gotten on this topic, especially your links GliderGuy.
What do you use to cut the rods to the length you need?

[pullupnow]

PN, glad to read you invested in another Phantom. Great livery choice and nicely done, Bravo Zulu, Sir. Best, LB

Thank you Sir! "you can't NOT have a Phantom" :)

[pullupnow]

Pullupnow, what servo and linkages did you use? I want this plane so bad. But, I want to upgrade the elevator however the right way is.

I put in a Hitec D625MW 440 threaded rod and dubro ball links. I flew my previous F4 with the stock set up for years and hundreds of flights, but the upgraded setup is noticeably smoother to fly as well as the increased strength. There has to be dozens of servo options that will work. pretty simple mod especially if you do it during initial assembly.

[GliderGuy]

Pullupnow, what servo and linkages did you use? I want this plane so bad. But, I want to upgrade the elevator however the right way is.

I’ve had good luck with the HV-69, 4-40 threaded rod and heavy-duty Du-Bro linkages. Smaller dimension case, so some plywood supports are needed.

https://www.mksservosusa.com/product...3&cat=5&page=1

Using (have used) this servo in: MiG-29, P-38, F-4
Note: No reverse option available, so with MiG-29 one must internally re-wire to reverse or use an external servo reverser.

https://www.dubro.com/products/heavy-duty-ball-links

https://www.motionrc.com/products/du...SABEgKdWPD_BwE

https://www.motionrc.com/products/du...-1248838163437


-GG

[Coconut]

Pullupnow, what servo and linkages did you use? I want this plane so bad. But, I want to upgrade the elevator however the right way is.

[Elbee]

My replacement F-4... after a failed low speed demonstration with the original. Came all grey as advertised. Upgraded elevator servo and linkage. perfect flyer as expected.

PN, glad to read you invested in another Phantom. Great livery choice and nicely done, Bravo Zulu, Sir. Best, LB

[pullupnow]

My replacement F-4... after a failed low speed demonstration with the original. Came all grey as advertised. Upgraded elevator servo and linkage. perfect flyer as expected.

[Evan D]

That’s not how I read the web page. I read it as coming as it sounds you got it. It does say new for the scheme though.

[spec450]

I just got my ghost grey 8S phantom in the mail. Showed up with the tail blue and all decals applied already. Wasn’t this airplane supposed to show up Grey and you do all the paint work and decals yourself??

[Matt Mathias]

Hello phantom drivers. Does anyone on here have the .stl files for any of the 3D printed parts for the F4 or any motion rc airplane? They are not on thiniverse. The ladders, cockpit, afterburnners ect. I AM NOT wanting them to make and sell, just for my private use.
Thanks
Mattmathias743@gmail.com

[Radar-Guy]

Those look great! Have you flown it yet? How did you address ensuring that they're at the same angle to each other? I was nervous I wouldn't be able to do a good job on that so I kept mine a "Hard-wing" version. Technically inaccurate but the plane is at least still in one piece.
Thanks.

Not yet, the F-4F is on back burner, still fiddling with the drag chute assembly. But I don’t expect surprises from the slats. I mounted them with slow setting glue and the proven Eyeball Mk.1.